1983 Cadillac DeVille Reviews - Page 3 of 4

1983 Cadillac DeVille Coupe 4.1 from North America

Summary:

Homer Simpson's dream of flying through the galaxy in his own bed

Faults:

Aside from slight surface rust along rubber sill over rear bumper <where water tends to collect from trunk drain flashing> mechanically I never had a problem. Oil and safety inspections done every 2,000 miles. My choice; the manual says 4 to 5,000 miles.

General Comments:

This beautiful yacht was a dream come true; they don't call them Cadillacs without good reason. The ride is wonderful and yet controlled <I installed new gas-charged shocks; the handling was more stable, but comfort was never compromised>.

I was lucky to find a pristine Coupe <1983 saw the last year for the two door full size Caddy>.

A WORD OF WARNING ON THE 4.1 "HT" ENGINE: This much maligned engine has an ALUMINUM BLOCK. Hence, it is very vulnerable to heat damage. Be sure to baby the cooling system. If you are buying any GM car with this engine, have it thoroughly checked. DO NOT TOW WITH THIS ENGINE, DESPITE WHAT IT SAYS IN THE MANUAL. Treat this engine right and it will give you the most economical land yacht of all time! <on hills, turn off A/C and lock out the overdrive>

The late 70's Caddys had an awful "stripper" look to them with chintzy looking tail lights and plastic grilles that looked plastic. Not to mention an awful "silhouette". The "notchback" roofline of these models is much more classy and formal. <I would say "reagal" but don't confuse this baby with a Buick>. The full size "notch" DeVille was discontinued in 1993.

1983 Cadillac DeVille 4.1L Digital Fuel Injection from North America

Summary:

Faults:

Electronic Climate Control ceased functioning and would not turn heat off at times.

General Comments:

Car rides like a dream. It has that great feel that only a full-size rear-wheel drive Cadillac can deliver.

The car was beautifully designed in and out. I have received many compliment on this automobile. It constantly turns heads.

The car has been very reliable. I have had it for 5 year and have put very little work into it considering the age of the car when I obtained it.

The car is very large and very impressive looking.

Although large, it still gets great gas mileage for its size, ranging between 18 and 24 miles per gallon.

Interior is plush and very comfortable with plenty of leg room and a big back seat. The trunk is HUGE!

The only negative to the car is that the 4.1 liter engine is too small and does not move the car overly well. It gets very impressive power considering it is a relatively small engine, but is not a powerhouse like most other Cadillacs.

21st Nov 2004, 20:58

I have had major problems with the 4100 motor in my 83 Coupe. I live in Missouri and have taken it to several places to try and switch out the motor, however no one will mess with it. People say it is to much of a problem to change the motor with trying to match the transmission and the computer. My car is in great condition except for the motor. I agree with you that this is a great car other than the 4100 and I don't want to get rid of it. I did at one time try to sell it, but there were no takers because of the heads being warped and the cracked cylinder. Can you or anyone else help me find someone I can take it to so I can switch out the motor? Thanks, Hotbody1@hotmail.com.